Using a subset of data from a larger study, the researchers analyzed 80 people between the ages of 10 and 21 with type 2 diabetes, who were matched with 167 â€œcontrolsâ€ who did not have diabetes.

The breastfeeding rate was lower among people with type 2 diabetes, compared with the control group. Specifically:

* Among African Americans, only 20 percent of those with type 2 diabetes had been breastfed, compared to 27 percent in the control group.
*Among Hispanics, 50 percent of the diabetes group was breastfed, compared with 84 percent of the control group.
*Among whites, 39 percent of the diabetes group was breastfed, compared with 78 percent of the control group.

The researchers concluded that breastfeeding in itself had a protective effect against type 2 diabetes. It also helped to stave off the disease because it helped to moderate childhood weights.

Encouraging breastfeeding in groups at high risk of type 2 diabetes may be useful, the researchers said.